History

The first known inhabitants of the area now known as Smith County were the Caddo Indians.
In July 1846 Smith County separated from the Nacogdoches District and was named for James Smith, a General of the Texas Revolution. It was at this time that Tyler was designated as the county seat.

Camp Ford was the largest Confederate Prisoner of War Camp west of the Mississippi River during the American Civil War and was where Sheriff Jim Reed of Collin County and Judge McReynolds, former chief justice of the district, were seized and lynched by "Regulators". The original site of the Camp stockade is now a public historic park, owned by Smith County, Texas, and managed by the Smith County Historical Society. The park contains a kiosk, paved trail, interpretive signage, a cabin reconstruction, and a picnic area. It is located on Highway 271, 0.8 miles north of Loop 323.

Houston is the largest city in Texas and the fourth-largest in the United States, while San Antonio is the second largest in the state and seventh largest in the United States. Dallas–Fort Worth and Greater Houston are the fourth and fifth largest United States metropolitan statistical areas, respectively. Other major cities include Austin (the state capital) and El Paso. Texas is nicknamed the Lone Star State to signify Texas as a former independent republic, and as a reminder of the state's struggle for independence from Mexico. The "Lone Star" can be found on the Texan state flag and on the Texan state seal. The origin of the state name, Texas, is from the word, "Tejas", which means 'friends' in the Caddo language.

History

The first known inhabitants of the area now known as Smith County were the Caddo Indians.
In July 1846 Smith County separated from the Nacogdoches District and was named for James Smith, a General of the Texas Revolution. It was at this time that Tyler was designated as the county seat.

Camp Ford was the largest Confederate Prisoner of War Camp west of the Mississippi River during the American Civil War and was where Sheriff Jim Reed of Collin County and Judge McReynolds, former chief justice of the district, were seized and lynched by "Regulators". The original site of the Camp stockade is now a public historic park, owned by Smith County, Texas, and managed by the Smith County Historical Society. The park contains a kiosk, paved trail, interpretive signage, a cabin reconstruction, and a picnic area. It is located on Highway 271, 0.8 miles north of Loop 323.

Latest News for: smith county, texas

SmithCounty may set up a disaster relief fund that would make it easier for people to donate to relief efforts in the event of a natural disaster. The county may enter into an agreement this week with the EastTexas Communities Foundation to create the SmithCountyDisaster Relief Fund ... He said the foundation is hoping SmithCounty becomes a model for other counties....

SmithCounty may set up a disaster relief fund that would make it easier for people to donate to relief efforts in the event of a natural disaster. The county may enter into an agreement this week with the EastTexas Communities Foundation to create the SmithCountyDisaster Relief Fund ... He said the foundation is hoping SmithCounty becomes a model for other counties....

HENDERSON — RuskCounty commissioners on Monday proposed setting next year's property tax rate more than a nickel below the 2018 rate ... In other action Monday, the court agreed to renew the county's membership in the EastTexasAuto Theft Task Force. SheriffJeff Price said Rusk, Smith and Hendersoncounties and the city of Tyler participate in the project through a $526,000 grant, with Rusk County's share at $10,000....

Katz endorsed by former lieutenant governor of Texas...SmithCounty sheriff will speak Thursday at Republican Club. The SmithCounty Republican Club will meet at the PotpourriHouse from 11.30 a.m ... Smith will speak on the opioid crisis, sex trafficking and human trafficking, and mental health problems affecting the county and how law enforcement is dealing with these problems....